Vehicle camera module with integrated lens cleaner

Abstract

A vision system of a vehicle includes a camera module configured to be disposed at an exterior portion of a vehicle. The camera module includes a mounting base and a camera that is pivotally mounted at the mounting base. The camera includes an imager and a lens. The camera is pivoted relative to the mounting base between a stowed position and a deployed position. The camera module includes a wiping element that is disposed at the mounting base and configured to wipe the lens when the camera is pivoted between the stowed and deployed positions. A portion of the wiping element is disposed at a lens wiping region and configured to wipe the lens when the camera is pivoted between the stowed and deployed positions. Pivoting the camera between the stowed and deployed positions causes presentation of a clean portion of the wiping element to wipe the lens.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application claims the filing benefits of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62 / 519,314, filed Jun. 14, 2017, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to a vehicle vision system for a vehicle and, more particularly, to a vehicle vision system that utilizes one or more cameras at a vehicle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Use of imaging sensors in vehicle imaging systems is common and known. Examples of such known systems are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,965,336; 5,949,331; 5,670,935 and / or 5,550,677, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.[0004]Obscuring view by mud, salt or dust is becoming an increasing issue for vehicle cameras as their ability to determine and recognize objects can be limited or interrupted. Vehicle manufacturers have recently started to add washer nozzles mounted at the vehicle in ...

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